A Multi-Layered Look at the Psychedelic Experience

a painting of a group of mushrooms in a forest.

The psychedelic experience has been described as ineffable—it is beyond words. Psychedelics have long been thought of as substances that open the doors of perception.  These days, the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) is researching the effectiveness of psychedelic interventions for treating a range of mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance-use disorders. 

Classical psychedelics include Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD); Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms); and Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which is found in Ayahuasca. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) has a different chemical structure than the classical psychedelics and acts on different receptors in the brain. It can be thought of as an Empathogen or an Entactogen, which means that it enhances feelings of connectedness, empathy, and emotional openness, without the hallucinogenic effects commonly experienced with classical psychedelics. 

Every psychedelic experience is unique. The journey may include changes in perception, emotion, cognition, and sense of self. Perceptual effects include visual imagery, hallucinations, and color/sound/light intensity. Emotional effects include becoming more sensitive and experiencing emotions with more intensity. Cognitively, the experience itself is a trip—it takes the user into an altered state of consciousness that enables them to engage with their thought process on an entirely different dimension. 

These effects have an incredibly wide range, and the way in which they manifest depends on the dose, set, and setting. Set refers to a person’s mindset prior to the experience. The psychedelic experience will be shaped by whatever is going on in a person’s life, their reality. Setting refers to the environment in which the experience takes place, which includes the therapist/doctor/shaman who is present during the experience, as well as the general environment and ambiance.

In recent years, interest in the psychedelic experience has exploded. These substances are becoming destigmatized, and their use is commonly discussed, encouraged, and celebrated in the mainstream. However, despite the many positive and promising aspects of psychedelic use, it’s important to proceed with caution. Not everyone is a candidate for these experiences, based on factors that include biology, family history, and both physiological and mental health conditions. Therefore, a person’s consideration for whether or not to embark on a psychedelic experience should begin with a formal evaluation. Also, since set and setting are essential aspects of the psychedelic experience, anyone interested in pursuing psychedelics for therapeutic reasons should—after being evaluated and cleared—do so under the guidance of a knowledgeable, well-trained, and experienced facilitator. The fact that most psychedelics remain illegal in the U.S. is another important consideration for anyone interested in these substances to keep in mind.

Research on the effects and therapeutic benefits of psychedelics is ongoing, and the years to come will likely introduce more possibilities and notes of caution regarding psychedelics and their potential. At Evergreen Therapy, we are trained and experienced in providing a harm-reduction approach to psychedelic preparation and integration (learn more about that here). As professionals who are fascinated by the potential of these substances and committed to providing ethical and effective therapy, we balance our excitement about what psychedelics can offer with firm and mindful attention to the element of safety. 

What Is Psychedelic Preparation and Integration?

a woman laying on a couch listening to headphones.

Psychedelic preparation and integration are two aspects of what is commonly referred to as psychedelic assisted therapy. This form of therapy is designed to support individuals who are intentionally engaging in self-work using psychedelics such as psilocybin, ketamine, LSD, and ayahuasca. These medicines can be vital tools for helping individuals explore their consciousness and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Preparation and integration are a vital part of the therapy process designed to enhance the benefits of psychedelic experiences and reduce potential risks.

Psychedelic preparation involves a series of sessions with a trained therapist to help individuals prepare for their psychedelic experience. The preparation process begins with a thorough assessment, to determine whether an individual is an appropriate candidate for psychedelic therapy. It includes education about the effects and potential risks of the specific psychedelic substance being used, an exploration of the individual’s intentions and goals for the experience, and the development of coping strategies to deal with any difficult emotions or thoughts that may arise during the experience.

Psychedelic integration happens after an individual has had an experience with the psychedelic medicine. In these sessions, the therapist and client work together to discuss the insights gained during the psychedelic experience and integrate them into daily life. This part of the process is aimed at creating a sense of meaning and purpose from the psychedelic experiences, helping the client make positive changes in their lives and maintain the benefits of their psychedelic experiences in the long-term.

Psychedelic preparation and integration aren’t for everyone; but for individuals who are looking to explore their consciousness, gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others, and improve their mental health and wellbeing, they can be a powerful and effective tool. This type of therapy may be useful for people suffering from depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and other mental health conditions.

Psychedelic assisted therapy has gained increasing attention in recent years, as studies have shown it to be a promising treatment for mental health conditions. However, it is important to note that psychedelic substances are still illegal in many parts of the world, and their use should only be conducted in safe and supervised settings. 

You Are Not Who You Think You Are

a person standing on a beach with a surfboard.

One of my clients recently shared with me that he had a dream in which every mirror he looked into reflected back to him a terrifying, gruesome face that didn’t resemble his own. No matter how many mirrors he tried or how many attempts he made to find himself reflected clearly, all he could see was that hideous visage. Although my client was undoubtedly disturbed by his dream, we discovered together that it served as an important metaphor for something he was addressing in his work with me. Like the mirrors in his dreams that would only reflect back a warped, ugly image, my client’s sense of himself in real life was distorted in an equally disturbing way. And because he saw himself so poorly, he suffered greatly in every domain of his life. He believed he was ugly, so he avoided dating. He believed he was stupid (in spite of having an above average IQ), so he chose an unfulfilling career that wouldn’t present any intellectual challenges. He believed he wasn’t worthy of connection, so he limited his contact with others and felt deep pain because of it. This particular client’s situation might seem extreme, but on some level, most people can relate to it.

Human beings are meaning-making machines. Our brains take in information and create interpretations about it. These interpretations eventually become beliefs, and out of those beliefs sprout the thoughts that flow automatically through our minds as we navigate the world. Most of us identify so much with those thoughts that we have difficulty thinking something without becoming attached to it, accepting it as a statement of fact, and inferring from it things about ourselves. Over time it becomes so that our sense of self is, in large part, shaped by what we think. Our thoughts influence our emotions, our emotions drive our actions, our actions become our habits, our habits become our lifestyles, and our lifestyles dictate our destiny. If we aren’t careful, we become slaves to the content of our own minds. We create a false sense of self that negatively shapes our lives and limits our potential.

If you want to see yourself more clearly, like my client did, you have to start by examining and challenging the stuff inside your mind. It is fundamentally true that you are not your thoughts. Nor are you your beliefs, emotions, or events from your past. This might make sense to you, but give it a little more thought. Can you think of something you believe about yourself that influences how you feel and behave? Maybe you believe that you won’t enjoy life until retirement. Or perhaps you believe you won’t be happy until you lose 10 pounds. Somewhere inside of your mind are beliefs you picked up a long time ago, which heavily influence how you live your life. When you base your sense of self on what you believe, you limit what you can experience.

Challenging your beliefs is the first step to seeing yourself more clearly and freeing yourself of unnecessary, self-imposed limitations. Once you start abolishing the beliefs that no longer serve you, it’s time to give your thoughts a similar treatment. Like I tell my clients all the time, one of the best things you can do for yourself in life is recognize that most of your thoughts are bullshit. What I mean is that your thoughts are just thoughts. In the most literal sense, they’re electrical impulses in your brain that carry data in the form of language. That’s it. They aren’t facts, truths, or reflections of who you are. But if you aren’t paying attention, you’ll start believing them and making assumptions about who you are based on them. This is what makes most people suffer.

Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and journaling can help you begin observing your thoughts and beliefs, and therapy is a great way to take that practice to the next level. Getting into the habit of examining your beliefs, watching your thoughts, and soliciting the feedback of an unbiased outsider can put you on the path toward freeing yourself and gaining a clearer sense of who you are. The truth is, you have the opportunity to be different each and every moment of your life. Whether that difference comes through something like taking a breath instead of taking action or making a bold decision instead of playing small, you have the ability to create new experiences by varying the way you go through life. And it all starts with watching how you think and being wary of the lies you tell yourself.

Now, I’m not saying that you should do away with all ideas about who you are. I’m also not suggesting that you can ever have a totally clear sense of self. However, as recent neuroscience research suggests, the more flexible we are about our sense of self, the healthier we’ll be. So if you’ve been looking in the proverbial mirror and not liking what you see, start by considering what you’ve been telling yourself about yourself. And then get busy telling yourself a new story. Because you really aren’t who you think you are—you’re much, much greater.